Mediterranean Fishing Chamber Calls for Increasing Number of Divers in Coral Fishing

The Mediterranean Sea Fishing Chamber sent a letter to the Secretary General of the fishing sector regarding the decision regulating red coral fishing in the maritime area off Al Hoceima, known as 'Tobo'.
The chamber requested a review of a provision concerning the number of divers allowed on board each vessel, arguing that the specificity of this activity requires a crew of three divers instead of two.
It based its request on the previous regulatory reference for red coral fishing in the 'TOFINO' area off Al Hoceima, set by Decision No.
2655-06 of November 13, 2006, published in Official Bulletin No.
5488 of January 4, 2007, at three divers per vessel.
The chamber stressed that adopting a third diver is consistent with the nature of diving operations related to coral fishing, which require a high degree of vigilance, coordination and readiness, as well as appropriate conditions for occupational safety and protection of workers' lives.
It insisted that its proposal is not related to increasing catches or expanding fishing effort, but is based essentially on safety considerations.